ChatGPT has been a controversial topic in schools over the past year. There have been many negative instances where students have used AI to complete a homework assignment, write an essay, or assist them in another form of cheating.
However, LFHS has launched a recent initiative that has focused on using the potentials of AI for positive educational outcomes.
Jeffrey Summy, Director of the Mathematics Department, leads a program to help 34 teachers use the AI tool for various classroom tasks. Some examples of these tasks include creating assignments, designing lesson plans, creating images, coming up with ideas for class discussion, and much more.
“One of the ways teachers have been using ChatGPT is to streamline time-consuming tasks, allowing them to focus more on instruction. For instance, in our ChatGPT Innovation Forum, a colleague mentioned how ChatGPT helped create a rubric for a project in just a few minutes- something that would have taken over an hour manually,” Summy said.
Utilizing ChatGPT is a significant “time-saver” for many teachers, allowing them to make the most of their class periods by focusing on student interaction rather than spending valuable time on administrative tasks.
Another example is how one teacher at LFHS used ChatGPT to gather real-life data, such as historical gas prices, which they then integrated into a statistics lesson.
“If I don’t have to search for data online anymore, it will save me so much time,” Summy said.
By using ChatGPT to handle routine tasks like this, teachers can focus on more creative and impactful teaching strategies.
“Teachers have found ChatGPT to be a valuable tool for saving time, enhancing lesson preparation, and providing students with more engaging learning experiences, while also educating students on appropriate use,” English teacher Chris Finley said.
Students have recognized the benefits of having ChatGPT available for their own use. Seeing teachers use AI as a resource encourages students to adopt similar practices and use AI as a study and learning device.
“I think AI is a great tool to help students study,” senior Brendan Walsh said. “One time I was in PLT and asked a teacher for extra questions to help prepare for a test. They then went onto ChatGPT, typed in a simple prompt, and it gave 10 more problems.”
